St. Louis Cardinals OF Oscar Taveras is in contention with OFs Randal Grichuk and Stephen Piscotty for the starting right field job next season. The organization would like Taveras to spend November at the Cardinals' complex in Jupiter, Fla., and then return to the Dominican Republic to play winter ball for about three weeks. They would like Taveras to return to Jupiter by January and remain there until the start of Spring Training, too.

St. Louis Cardinals OF Oscar Taveras said he's gained some weight as the season wore on this year, and speculation is that he's gained 20 pounds since having ankle surgery last August. General manager John Mozeliak would prefer Taveras take part in a stringent workout regimen instead of playing winter ball in the offseason. However, Taveras said he wants to play winter ball in the Dominican League.